Peterson, Nelson cut, while Brees stays with Saints
Adrian Peterson’s short stint in Arizona is over. Jordy Nelson long and productive stay in Green Bay has ended, too.
Meanwhile, Drew Brees is staying put in the Big Easy, Case Keenum is headed to the Rocky Mountains, and Kirk Cousins will make his first visit as a free agent to Minnesota. The Vikings long have been considered a natural landing spot for one of the most valuable quarterbacks available.
One day before the league’s new year begins, veteran running back Peterson was released by the Cardinals on Tuesday, and receiver Nelson — Aaron Rodgers’ favourite target — was let go by the Packers.
Seven-time All-Pro running back Peterson began last season with New Orleans but, after barely playing there, was dealt to the Cardinals. Peterson rushed for 134 yards in a win over Tampa Bay and 159 in a win over San Francisco. In six games, he gained 448 yards on 129 carries for Arizona before being sidelined with a neck injury.
Peterson, who turns 33 next week, ranks 12th in the NFL in career rushing with 12,276 yards.
Nelson had 550 receptions and 69 touchdown catches in 10 seasons in Green Bay. But his production declined last season with Rodgers sidelined much of the year by a collarbone injury.
“We cannot thank Jordy enough for all that he has given the Green Bay Packers and our community for the past 10 years,” GM Brian Gutekunst said. “He has been an exemplary professional and teammate and greatly contributed to our success.”
Brees has agreed to a two-year, $50-million US extension with New Orleans, with $27 million guaranteed the first year.
Brees is 39 and wants to finish his career in New Orleans, where he has played since 2006, won a Super Bowl and led what has been one of the most productive offences in the NFL since he and coach Sean Payton arrived.
“I’ll be here as long as they’ll have me,” Brees said after last season ended.
In 2017, Brees completed an NFL-record 72 per cent of his passes for 4,334 yards and 23 touchdowns against eight interceptions. He ranked fourth in the NFL in yards passing and the Saints ranked second in the NFL in total offence.
Keenum, a backup when the season began, guided Minnesota to the NFC North title and then into the conference championship game. He’ll cash in with the Broncos. The 30-year-old Keenum is considered the second-best QB available in free agency after Cousins. He went 11-3 with 3,547 yards passing, 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Denver chose to bypass incumbents Trevor Siemian, Brock Osweiler and Paxton Lynch and go for Keenum, who can’t sign until today.
Cousins will visit with the Vikings today, agent Mike McCartney said. ESPN reported that Cousins will sign with the Vikings.
The Jets and Cardinals also made sense as fits for the 29-year-old. New York, however, re-signed last year’s starter, veteran Josh McCown, and Arizona made a deal with Minnesota’s Sam Bradford.
In other moves: • The Chicago Bears will be signing Jacksonville receiver Allen Robinson today and kicker Cody Parkey. • Tennessee agreed with New England cornerback and one-time Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler on a five-year deal worth more than $60 million.
Butler spent the past four seasons with the New England Patriots and has eight career interceptions. He was benched for the Super Bowl in February. • Buffalo bolstered its interior defensive line, agreeing to a deal with Carolina tackle Star Lotulelei and re-signing Kyle Williams, who contemplated retirement. • Kansas City will add wide receiver Sammy Watkins and middle linebacker Anthony Hitchens, filling two glaring needs.
The 24-year-old Watkins intends to sign a $48-million, three-year contract, while the 25-year-old Hitchens agreed to a five-year deal. The Chiefs have needed to pair a playmaking wideout with Tyreek Hill. Watkins, the 2014 fourth overall pick of the Bills, spent last season with the Rams, where he caught 39 passes for 593 yards and eight touchdowns. • Receiver Albert Wilson is closing in on a $24-million, three-year deal with the Dolphins. Miami traded top receiver Jarvis Landry to Cleveland and has a need. They also have an agreement with Patriots receiver Danny Amendola. • The Jacksonville Jaguars are poised to sign All-Pro guard Andrew Norwell to a five-year, $66.5-million contract. Norwell’s deal will include $30 million guaranteed.
Receiver Marqise Lee has agreed to re-sign for a four-year deal worth $38 million.